June 2012

06/25/2012

Long Live PowerPoint! “I can't say enough about Powerpoint as a tool for everyone, audio and animation. It slices it dices for the average Joe that doesn't want to have to learn Photoshop and Flash to have a fabulous looking presentation. Just visit the online Microsoft and there are nice template choices.” Kelly Siemens, New Egypt, NJ

06/18/2012

Change Welcome Page Every Unit “I think it important to remember that the homepage (or welcome page) is not the homepage of a traditional website, it is more a 'portal" to your class, that will ultimately end at a given time (year-end, semester). It is never static, it is an organic and constantly changing entity, that requires interaction from both the instructor and the participant. Changing the homepage on at least the "modular" basis is important. The "look" and style of the portal is very important to me....” Jane Noble, Louisiana State University Eunice, Lafayette, LA

06/10/2012

Use an Avatar “In several of my online classes, I use Voki to create an avatar that communicates important announcements throughout the semester. Most of my students like my avatar, but I have had one or two comments about how creepy it is when she moves her eyes with the cursor. You can type in your message and use a predesigned voice, or you can use a microphone to record your message in your own voice. I change the background and my avatar's outfit to meet the season/holiday/event that is occurring at the time I post the message. Some students have been so enthused that I've had several send me a reply via email using an avatar they created! If anyone is interested, here is the link to Voki: http://www.voki.com/ It is FREE!” -Menka Brown, Piedmont Technical College, Greenwood, SC

06/03/2012

Skimming vs Reading "Skimming is an absolutely necessary skill in this day and age of Info Overload. There is no possible time to read everything in depth on a subject as one did years ago. One has to target an area of major interest and through the means of "skimming" determine if the info at hand is the area of to be targeted. “Skimming is different from actual reading in that the former is quick glancing for key chunks of info that is draws major interest. Actual reading is soaking in for long-term absorption. Once skimming takes place, one can go back to these targeted skimmed areas for further "reading" that lacked previously.” - Jeannine Gurnack, Twinsburg, OH